China urges US to end Cuba embargo

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez (3rd L) shakes hands with well wishers following a United Nations General Assembly vote to address the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the US against Cuba at the United Nations headquarters in New York, October 27, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

BEIJING -- China has backed the UN General Assembly in calling for the United States to further thaw its relations with Cuba by completely ending its embargo against the country.

The assembly on Tuesday voted to adopt a resolution urging an end to the economic, commercial and financial sanctions, after the United States and Cuba restored diplomatic relations in July.

Altogether, 191 UN member states voted in favor of the resolution, while only the United States and Israel opposed it.

"[Removal of the sanctions] meets the common interests of the two countries and peoples, the expectation of the international community, and also helps regional stability and development," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang at a regular press conference on Wednesday.

"We have noticed that under strong appeal from the international community, the United States has gradually changed its position in a more positive direction," Lu said.

"China hopes the United States and Cuba will maintain dialogue and consultation and consolidate the momentum of improving relations."

The United States has started to partially lift bans on tourist visits to Cuba as well as in commerce and telecommunication.